In the first hours after birth, you will be recovering while your care team checks your bleeding, observations, pain and bladder function. You might feel relieved, shaky, hungry, overwhelmed or simply exhausted. There is no particular emotion you are supposed to have.
What happens next depends on how the birth went and whether you or your baby need extra care. A fixed hospital stay does not suit everyone. This guide explains immediate care for you; our separate guide covers your newborn’s first hours.
The placenta and checks after birth
After a vaginal birth, the placenta still needs to be born. This is the third stage of labour. Your team will discuss care to help the uterus contract and reduce bleeding, usually including a medicine such as oxytocin. They will check the placenta and membranes afterwards. If the placenta does not come away or bleeding is excessive, further treatment may be needed.
Your midwife will regularly check observations such as your pulse, blood pressure and temperature, assess blood loss and feel your abdomen to check the uterus is firm. If you had a tear or episiotomy, the area will be assessed and repaired if needed. Ask what is happening and what pain relief is available. Explanations and consent remain important after the baby is born.
Bleeding and afterpains
Expect some vaginal bleeding after either a vaginal or caesarean birth. The team will monitor the amount. You may also have cramping as the uterus contracts; these afterpains can feel stronger during breastfeeding.
Tell the midwife immediately if you notice a gush or sudden increase in bleeding, large clots, feel faint or have a racing heart. Do not wait for the next round of observations. Pain that is severe, worsening or different from what you were told to expect should be checked too.
Comfort, stitches and the first trip to the toilet
The perineum, between the vaginal opening and anus, may feel bruised or swollen after vaginal birth. Your team can help with positioning, a protected cold pack and appropriate pain relief. Ask for instructions about washing, drying and changing pads.
You will be asked about passing urine. Tell staff if you cannot wee, cannot feel whether your bladder is full or have significant pain. Do not assume difficulty passing urine will settle by itself. Ask for help getting up, especially if you feel dizzy or are still recovering from an epidural.
If you are worried about your first bowel movement, say so. Your team can discuss fluids, food and treatment to keep stools comfortable to pass, particularly after a substantial tear.
After a caesarean
You will have postoperative checks as well as routine postnatal care. You may have a drip and a urinary catheter while the anaesthetic wears off. Staff will help with pain relief, moving safely and a plan to reduce blood-clot risk. Ask when you can eat, drink, get out of bed and have the catheter removed.
Have someone bring your baby to you rather than trying to manage every lift yourself. For more on the operation and recovery, see caesarean birth.
Getting comfortable with your baby
If you and your baby are well, skin-to-skin contact and a first feed may happen while checks continue. Ask for help with a comfortable position and keeping your baby’s face and airway clear. If you feel sleepy, faint or affected by medicine, tell staff and ask them to place your baby safely in the bassinet before you sleep.
If extra treatment means you are separated, ask who can update you and how you can be involved. You can still build a close relationship with your baby. Bonding does not have to happen in one uninterrupted moment.
Ask for support with the feeding approach you plan to use. If breastfeeding is your plan, staff can help with attachment or expressing if a feed is delayed. If using formula, ask for a demonstration of safe preparation and feeding. You are allowed to need help more than once.
Rest, support and how you are feeling
When your team says it is suitable, eat, drink and take an opportunity to rest. You do not have to welcome visitors before you feel ready. A support person can handle messages or bring you food so you have fewer things to organise.
Tell staff if you feel panicky, distressed, frightened by the birth or unable to rest. Sudden confusion, hallucinations, unusual beliefs, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby need urgent assessment, not reassurance to sleep it off. If you are at home and anyone is in immediate danger, call 000.
Before you go home
Discharge depends on your recovery, your baby’s health and the follow-up available. Before leaving, check:
- Which symptoms need an urgent call, and which number to use day or night
- Your wound-care, medicine and movement instructions
- Who will visit or contact you, and when your next appointment is
- Whether you need extra follow-up for blood loss, high blood pressure, a significant tear or another complication
- That your baby’s feeding, checks and screening appointments have a clear plan
After discharge, seek urgent care for heavy or increasing bleeding, fever, worsening pain, foul-smelling discharge, a painful swollen leg, severe headache or vision changes. Pre-eclampsia and other serious complications can develop after birth. Call 000 for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, a seizure or heavy bleeding with weakness or faintness.
For the weeks ahead, read recovering from delivery. You do not have to wait for a routine check if you are worried.
This is general Australian postnatal information. Follow the advice given for your own birth and recovery.